N. Carroll tops Middletown, 3-1

November 05, 1992|By Glenn P. Graham | Glenn P. Graham,Staff Writer

North Carroll sophomore Amber Bosley scored two goals, including the game-winner two minutes into the second half, to lead the Panthers past defending state champ Middletown, 3-1, in a Class 2A, Region I field hockey semifinal yesterday in Hampstead.

The second-seeded Panthers (8-3-2) will travel to top-seeded Glenelg (12-1) tomorrow for the Region I championship.

"It [yesterday's win] only feels good for a while, then you have to look to the next one," said first-year North Carroll coach Denean Powelson.

The Panthers jumped out to a 1-0 lead six minutes into the game when Bosley scored the first of her two goals off a penalty corner kick.

It was the fourth consecutive penalty corner the Panthers enjoyed early on as sophomore Jill Ballard sent the ball through a crowd in front with a waiting Bosley there to finish it off.

After the fast start, North Carroll sat back a little, late in the first half, and Middletown (8-4) took advantage with a goal from Tracey Kelley with 7:46 left. Shelbie Ferko was credited with the assist.

"The last 10 minutes of the half they started beating us to the ball so at halftime I told the girls we had to start getting those loose balls," Powelson said.

They wasted little time in the second half. Bosley put in the decider with 1:41 gone. The goal came off another penalty corner with Val Aberts getting the assist.

"She [Bosley] stayed very poised and really finished well on both goals," Powelson said.

The Panthers were in control most of the way and got an insurance goal from Ballard with 11 minutes left to wrap things up.

It came on the Panthers' 10th penalty corner of the game. Ballard's first shot was blocked, but the ball came right back to her and she took advantage, firing a low shot from long range.

"We played a much better second half," Powelson said. "We moved the ball much faster. Middletown stayed on us throughout, so it was important to get rid of it in a hurry and we did that in the second half."

Powelson knows it will take a similar effort to knock off the top-seeded Gladiators tomorrow. In their regular-season meeting, Glenelg handed the Panthers a 2-0 setback.

"It'll take our best effort," she said.

"We're going to have to go back to basics. They have a flat, quick surface we're not really used to. If we play the way we can play, we'll be competitive."